Volume 17, Issue 4 (2026)
Res Med Edu 2026, 17(4): 15-28 |
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Ghasemi S F, Valizadeh F, Heydari H. Exploring Nursing Students and Professorsʹ Perceptions about Academic Failure: A Qualitative Study. Res Med Edu 2026; 17 (4) :15-28
URL: http://rme.gums.ac.ir/article-1-1468-en.html
URL: http://rme.gums.ac.ir/article-1-1468-en.html
Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran & French Institute of Research and Higher Education, Paris, France , hidari.h@lums.ac.ir
Abstract: (416 Views)
Introduction: One of the major challenges in nursing education is the academic failure of students currently enrolled in the program. Academic failure can not only lead to a loss of material and human resources but also negatively affect the quality of healthcare services. Given the scarcity of qualitative studies in this field, this study aimed to explore the perception of nursing students and professors about academic failure.
Methods: This qualitative study employed a conventional content analysis approach and was conducted in 2023 at Khorramabad School of Nursing and Midwifery. Participants in the study included 12 nursing students and 2 instructors, who were involved in issues related to students’ academic failure and were selected through a purposive sampling method. Data were collected using deep personal interviews and then analyzed utilizing the Lundman and Griesheim method.
Results: According to the results, the data were assigned into two main categories, including unsuccessful transition to student life (e.g., entering an unfamiliar environment, lack of preparedness for separation from family, inability to adapt to dormitory life, freedom from family restrictions, and having a background of vulnerability), and lack of inspiration in the educational environment (e.g., academic dissatisfaction, weakness in the management of educational processes, and inadequate dormitory infrastructure).
Conclusion: It was revealed that the academic failure of students can be influenced by various factors, such as the pre-university lifestyle, the existence of supporting resources outside and inside the university, the existence of welfare infrastructure, and the way to manage the educational process. It is recommended that nursing schools try to identify vulnerable individuals by conducting appropriate screening when students first enter the university. Moreover, it is suggested that each of these factors be explored in greater depth in future studies and that education policymakers take them into account when developing student education programs.
Methods: This qualitative study employed a conventional content analysis approach and was conducted in 2023 at Khorramabad School of Nursing and Midwifery. Participants in the study included 12 nursing students and 2 instructors, who were involved in issues related to students’ academic failure and were selected through a purposive sampling method. Data were collected using deep personal interviews and then analyzed utilizing the Lundman and Griesheim method.
Results: According to the results, the data were assigned into two main categories, including unsuccessful transition to student life (e.g., entering an unfamiliar environment, lack of preparedness for separation from family, inability to adapt to dormitory life, freedom from family restrictions, and having a background of vulnerability), and lack of inspiration in the educational environment (e.g., academic dissatisfaction, weakness in the management of educational processes, and inadequate dormitory infrastructure).
Conclusion: It was revealed that the academic failure of students can be influenced by various factors, such as the pre-university lifestyle, the existence of supporting resources outside and inside the university, the existence of welfare infrastructure, and the way to manage the educational process. It is recommended that nursing schools try to identify vulnerable individuals by conducting appropriate screening when students first enter the university. Moreover, it is suggested that each of these factors be explored in greater depth in future studies and that education policymakers take them into account when developing student education programs.
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